MEDICAL ASSISTING (MA) PROGRAM 2016 APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

M

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(MA)

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2016

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I

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

In order to be considered for admission to the MA program, each student must meet the following criteria:

 Eligibility for admission to Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus

 Completion of platform coursework with a minimum 2.5 GPA; Conditional acceptance may be

granted to those students who are in the process of completing remaining platform coursework. Failure to maintain a 2.5 GPA upon completion of remaining platform coursework may lead to forfeiture of MA program admission offer.

 Be at least 18 years of age

 Completion of MA Program Application for Admission along with your answers of the Medical

Assistant Essential Questions

 Completion of appropriate TEAS testing

 Two (2) Student Recommendation Forms from a professional, instructor or someone that can

testify to your character and work ethic, that is NOT a relative. READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

1. Each applicant must apply for admission to Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus BEFORE applying to the Medical Assistant Program. Application information may be obtained by contacting the Office of Student Services in person or through the following:

Office of Student Services

Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus 1700 Helberg Lane

Ozark, Arkansas 72949 479-667-2117

http://atu.edu/ozark

2. The following are required for application:

 Completed and Signed MA Program Application for Admission  Answers to the Medical Assistant Essential Questions

 Signed Understanding of Clinical Participation Requirements form

 Two (2) Student Recommendation Forms from a professional, instructor or someone that can testify to your character and work ethic, that is not a relative.

 TEAS Exam (will be scheduled after application deadline has passed)

3. Each applicant is responsible for verifying that all of the above requested information has been completed and submitted to the Allied Health Secretary by March 15. All application items requested should be submitted as a complete packet (except for the two (2) Student Recommendation forms) if possible or physically brought to the Allied Health Secretary in the Health Education Building. Applicants are responsible for items sent separately. Student Recommendation Forms must be sent separately from the evaluator either by mail or by email.

The above items must be received by the Allied Health Secretary BY MAIL OR IN PERSON by March 15, 2016 in order to be considered complete:

Medical Assisting Program Attn: Allied Health Secretary

Arkansas Tech University- Ozark Campus 1700 Helberg Lane

Ozark, Arkansas 72949

4. Once the application is complete and after the application deadline has passed, the Allied Health secretary will schedule the applicants to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). This test will be given at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus AFTER the application deadline.

MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Medical Assistants are valuable members of the health care team and are trained to perform both administrative and clinical duties. The medical assistant curriculum is a two-year associate of applied science degree program. This program offers the student a broad foundation in basic medical assisting skills, including a period of practical experience in a medical facility working under the supervision of clinic personnel and the Medical Assistant Program Director. Basic Medical Assistant training and education consist of learning experiences in science, communication skills, insurance and general office practices, as well as medical laboratory and examination room procedures.

PLATFORM

Students will be required to complete 24 hours of platform coursework with a minimum 2.5 GPA prior to admission to the technical phase of the MA Program. Applicants with platform coursework

completed at other institutions should have their official transcripts sent to the Office of Student Services for review. The platform coursework includes the following:

Substitution and/or waiving of platform coursework will be at the discretion of the Medical Assistant Program Director in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Ozark Campus.

BST 1303 Introduction to Computers

ENGL 1013 Composition I

HSCI 1113 Medical Terminology

HSCI 1123 Human Anatomical Structures I

PSY 2003 General Psychology

ENGL 1023 Composition II

HSCI 1243 Human Anatomical Structures II TMAT 1203 Technical Mathematics II (or higher) TECHNICAL COURSEWORK

Students must apply to the technical phase of the program following completion of the platform coursework. Admission to the technical phase is competitive due to limited enrollment. Satisfactory completion of the technical coursework will enable a student to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree and apply for examination for Certified Medical Assistant.

The technical phase of the program includes a combination of classroom/laboratory study and 160 hours of required unpaid internship. During the classroom/laboratory portion of the program, students will have the opportunity to learn medical assisting procedures and practice specific procedures on fellow MA students. Students will be expected to participate in all class and laboratory activities as both a demonstration subject and a simulated patient for their classmates.

The fieldwork education portion of the program consists of working with patients in a clinical facility as a student while under the supervision of a fieldwork supervisor and a clinical representative. An

internship of 160 hours must be completed during the first summer term. Internship sites are located in various cities and towns throughout the area. Students will be responsible for all travel costs associated with the internship, including meals and lodging.

Projected technical coursework for the 2015-2016 class will include the following:

MA 2113 Basic Pharmacology w/ overview to Microbiology

MA 2123 Medical Office Computer Systems & Insurance

MA 2133 Medical Assistant Administrative Practice

MA 2143 Coding Practices for Medical Office

MA 2153 MA Role/Emergency Preparedness

MA 2213 Medical Lab Orientation & Instrumentation

MA 2214 Medical Lab Orientation & Instrumentation, LAB

MA 2222 Medical Assistant Practice LAB

MA 2223 Medical Assistant Practice

MA 2233 Legal and Ethical Practices of the Medical Office

MA 2312 Medical Assistant Seminar

MA 2314 Medical Assistant Practicum

CLASS SIZE

The class starting in Fall 2016 will include openings for 20 qualified students. TEST OF ESSENTIAL ACADEMIC SKILLS

The TEAS is scheduled by the Allied Health secretary after the application deadline. A letter will be mailed with available test dates. Prior to taking the TEAS, applicants will be required to pay a testing fee to the Business Office. The TEAS is a computerized test and therefore test scores will be

immediately available. Test results will then be forwarded to the MA program office and the Office of Student Services. Acceptance of TEAS results from testing at locations other than Arkansas Tech University- Ozark Campus will be at the discretion of the MA Program. The latest version of the TEAS will be used by the MA program for admission consideration.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Due to the limited spots available for each class of MA students, the MA Program must use a method of ranking each candidate according to the candidate’s qualifications. The following will be used in the selection process:

TEAS score: 70%

Essential Questions 15%

Letters of Reference 15%

In the case of a tie in the application score for applicants, the following criteria will be utilized as tie-breakers (the criteria are arranged in order of importance):

1. Cumulative GPA for all college coursework completed prior to the application deadline 2. Number of platform hours completed prior to application deadline

SELECTION PROCESS

Offers of admission for available spaces will be made to the qualified applicants with the highest overall ratings. All applicants will be notified by the MA Program of their admission status. Applicants

accepted into the program must notify the MA Program office as soon as possible of their decision to accept or decline the offer of admission. Applicants who decline admission or are not accepted for admission may reapply for admission the following year. In the event an opening for a student becomes available, then applicants from the alternate list will be offered admission according to individual ranking.

FINANCIAL AID

Students requesting information regarding financial aid are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office as follows:

Financial Aid Office 1700 Helberg Lane Ozark, Arkansas 72949 479-667-2117 NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus does not discriminate on the basis of color, sex, sexual

orientation,gender identity, race, age, religion, national origin, or disability, in any of its practices, policies,

or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admission, employment, financial aid, or educational service. Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus complies with all applicable state and federal laws including, but not limited to, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 as amended, Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991. A copy of the Affirmative Action Plan, including specific responsibilities and provisions for implementation and compliance will be made available upon request. Responsibility for implementation and compliance with this Affirmative Action policy has been delegated to the Affirmative Action officer, e-mail

[email protected].

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Students admitted to the MA program will be expected to obtain criminal background checks following entry into the program. Criminal background checks may be a requirement for attendance at some of the clinical education sites affiliated with the MA program. Based upon the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical education site may determine not to allow a particular student’s presence at a facility. In addition, a criminal background may preclude certification or employment following graduation. Students are responsible for the associated costs and delivery of background results to the clinical facility requesting the information.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING

affiliated with the MA program. Based upon the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical education site may determine not to allow a particular student’s presence at a facility. The student is responsible for the costs associated with any drug and alcohol testing required for attendance at a particular clinical education site. In addition, the student is also responsible for submission of testing results to the clinical education facility requesting the information.

STUDENT HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Understanding of Clinical Participation Requirements

Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus Medical Assisting Program uses external affiliated agencies for clinical experiences for our students. Affiliated agencies may impose requirements for students in order to be allowed access to clinical experiences.

Students may be required to provide the following information to external affiliated agencies:

 Health Screening/Immunizations

 CPR Certification

 Criminal Background Investigation

 Drug Testing

The student should maintain copies of the documents listed above. Affiliating agencies may require the student to provide a copy of the documentation.

NOTICE AND RELEASE - READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING

I, the undersigned applicant to the Medical Assisting Program at Arkansas Tech University- Ozark Campus, understand that participation in a clinical experience is part of the Medical Assisting Program and that participation in a clinical experience includes working as a student at an affiliating agency. I understand that I will be responsible for all travel, meals, and lodging associated with clinical education. I further understand that affiliating agencies have the right to establish requirements for participation in clinical experience.

I understand that I am responsible for providing copies of the documentation requested by the affiliated agency. I understand and agree that if I am rejected for participation in a clinical experience by an affiliating agency or if I refuse to submit to checks or tests that are required by an affiliating agency in order to participate in a clinical experience, I may be unable to complete my program of study and graduate from the Medical Assisting Program. I hereby release Arkansas Tech University-Ozark

Campus, its employees, and all affiliating agencies from any liability with regard to my participation in a clinical experience and decisions made concerning my participation in a clinical experience.

Student Name Date

MEDICAL ASSISTING APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

Please type, or print answers in black ink.

Last Name First Name Middle Name

Mailing Address

City State Zip

T# (if available) Date of Birth

Email Address Cell Phone Home Phone

Please indicate if you are currently a student of:

Arkansas Tech University Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus

Have you previously attended another Medical Assisting Program?

No Yes: (Provide name and location of school)

Letters of Recommendation:

Name Phone Number Relationship

Name Phone Number Relationship

1700 Helberg Lane Ozark, AR 72949 Phone: 479 667-2117, Ext. 325 Fax: 479 667-0198

OFFICE USE ONLY TEAS Test Score: __________

MEDICAL ASSISTING APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION (Cont’d)

Essential Questions:

On a separate page, include with this application your typewritten answers to the following questions (no longer than one page):

1. What are the factors of the Medical Assisting profession that appeal to you as a career choice? 2. How do you see a career as a Medical Assistant contributing to your life goals and objectives? Please remember to complete an application for the ATU-Ozark Campus and send all transcripts and from previous schools attended as well as proof of two MMR immunizations to the Office of Student Services, 1700 Helberg Lane, Ozark, AR 72949). School application must be completed before submitting this application.

I certify that the above information is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Signature Date

MEDICAL ASSISTING (MA) PROGRAM Student Recommendation Form

Evaluator: Please mail in a sealed envelope to: Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, Attention:

Medical Assistant Program Secretary, 1700 Helberg Lane, Ozark, AR 72949 or email [email protected].

Thank you for providing this invaluable information on behalf of: Applicant’s Name:

Last First Middle

Superior Good Fair Poor Unable to Judge

Leadership Ability Academic Performance Dependability

Ability to work with others Ability to work independently Initiative

Integrity

Oral Communication Skills Written Communication Skills Attitude

What is your relationship to the applicant?

Instructor Supervisor Employer

Other: (Please specify)

How long have you known the applicant? How well do you know the applicant?

Very Well Well Somewhat Not Well

Overall Recommendation:

Strongly Recommend Recommend Recommend with some Reservations

MEDICAL ASSISTING (MA) PROGRAM Student Recommendation Form

Evaluator: Please mail in a sealed envelope to: Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, Attention:

Medical Assistant Program Secretary, 1700 Helberg Lane, Ozark, AR 72949 or email [email protected].

Thank you for providing this invaluable information on behalf of: Applicant’s Name:

Last First Middle

Superior Good Fair Poor Unable to Judge

Leadership Ability Academic Performance Dependability

Ability to work with others Ability to work independently Initiative

Integrity

Oral Communication Skills Written Communication Skills Attitude

What is your relationship to the applicant?

Instructor Supervisor Employer

Other: (Please specify)

How long have you known the applicant? How well do you know the applicant?

Very Well Well Somewhat Not Well

Overall Recommendation:

Strongly Recommend Recommend Recommend with some Reservations

Students are advised the Medical Assisting (MA) program is strenuous in nature. Students are therefore not allowed to take additional course work that is not directly related to their degree plan while in the MA Program. If a student has completed all general education course

requirements prior to entering the program, the student may not have a full load of twelve credit hours or more. The MA program is very intense and requires approximately 30-36 hours per week of theory/lab/fieldwork. This does not include prep or study time. The hours ascribed to

each semester while in the MA Program are considered by the program to be full time.

Additionally, students should note that financial aid awards often do not cover summer

semesters. Specifically, The Traditional Academic Challenge Scholarship is for fall and spring only up to a maximum of 4 semesters. The Non-Traditional scholarship is pro-rated based on enrollment; students must be in at least 6 credit hours fall and spring. It is imperative all students who have financial aid funding contact the financial aid office to ensure understanding of aid and the funding restrictions associated with the MA program.

I have read and understand how the above policy may affect my financial aid and my financial obligations to the college.

__________________________________ ____________________